Erik and Erin Dukes have four boys, all of whom are 7 years of age and younger. I suggested one time that if they had another boy then a few years from now they could all be playing high school basketball for the Booneville Blue Devils, and we could call them the “Duke Blue Devils.” Since Erik is a North Carolina fan, he was not inspired by the idea.
When you are around these four Dukes, if you are quiet enough you can actually hear them growing. They are not only growing in stature, but also in wisdom and in favor with God and man.
The Dukes’ second son, James Christian, is in Becky West’s Sunday School class. On a recent Sunday they had a lesson on the boy Samuel helping the old priest Eli in the Tabernacle. Becky asked the children if they could think of ways they could help around the church. James Christian said that maybe they could help me. He said that I was old but my hair wasn’t completely white—just a little white on the sides. “And,” he added, “he can still throw a ball and jog.” I was glad he thought I still had a little life in me.
Yesterday was Easter Sunday. For the first time, James Christian wore a suit complete with a tie. As he was getting dressed in his new suit, Erin said that he asked, “Do you think Dr. Jones wears a belt with his suit? He probably does so I’d better wear a belt.”
You never can tell what kind of influence you’re having on a child. I had no idea that I might even be influencing a boy on whether to wear a belt or not. I’ve got to be more careful.
Of course, Erik’s influence is more important than mine. In our Easter musical and drama last weekend, Erik played the part of Jesus. The most dramatic part of the drama is at the end, when Erik, playing the part of Jesus, is placed on the cross.
Erik said that one afternoon last weekend James Christian came to the back door of their house crying. Erik assumed that James Christian and his older brother Joshua had gotten into a fuss about something. That wasn’t it at all. Instead, James Christian said through His tears, “Daddy, I don’t want Jesus to die.” So, Erik had to sit down and talk to James Christian a long time about Jesus’ death on the cross.
It’s a hard reality. It is heartbreaking, but it is also the source of our deepest joy. Putting all of that together is a challenge—for James Christian and for us.
On the evening before the second performance, as Erik and I were talking in the hallway, James Christian came running to Erik with another concern. “Daddy,” he asked, “how does Jesus get out of the tomb, and who rolls back the stone?”
The resurrection is a mystery, and it is also the greatest demonstration of God’s power. We’re still working on that also, James Christian.
When you are around the Dukes boys, and other boys and girls, be careful. They’re paying attention and putting a lot of big things together.
